The US House of Representatives passed legislation on Thursday to streamline environmental reviews and expedite permitting for large energy infrastructure projects, data centers, and factories.
The bill's goals align with US President Donald Trump's agenda to expand domestic energy, mining, and other industries, but conservationists warn that looser environmental standards could jeopardize clean air and public water supplies.
Congress has tried for several years to pass permitting reform legislation.
The bill lost support from clean energy advocates after last-minute changes by a small group of Republicans aimed at preserving Trump's ability to block permitted offshore wind farms.
The SPEED Act, sponsored by Republican Bruce Westerman, faces opposition in the Senate from Democrats who want the legislation to benefit clean energy and related transmission projects.
The bill passed with 11 Democratic votes despite concerns about the amendments.
Energy industry groups welcomed the 221-196 bill passage on Thursday, saying it is the first "meaningful" reform of the Nixon-era National Environmental Policy Act, which builders of large projects in many sectors have blamed for slow approvals.
“Today’s vote marks a turning point to fix America's broken permitting system and lower energy costs for every American," said Anne Bradbury, CEO of oil and gas lobby group AXPC.
'Jeopardizes access to clean air, safe drinking water'
Environmental groups urged the Senate to reject the bill.
"The bill gives industry a free pass while casting aside science and public input. This will jeopardize access to clean air and safe drinking water for communities already burdened by pollution and climate risks,” said Camden Weber, climate and energy policy specialist at the Center for Biological Diversity.
A solar industry trade group said the bill did not remedy what it called the unequal treatment of renewable energy resources by the federal government, which, under Trump, has frozen progress on permits for wind and solar projects.
"Permitting reform that prioritizes certainty and fairness will help deliver affordable energy to the American people," Abigail Ross Hopper, president of the Solar Energy Industries Association, said in a statement.